Page 39 of The Surrogate Nanny

“Don’t thank me. We can call it for what it was—divine intervention.”

“Divine intervention,” I repeated as I wiped away tears.

“May I confess something to you?”

“Sure.”

Jonathan looked down. “I want you to know I would’ve been heartbroken if anything happened to you, Simone. You’re...you’re an amazing woman.”

“Thank you. You’re a...great lawyer. It’s infuriating, actually.”

His lips turned down slightly. “Sometimes, there are downfalls of being a great lawyer,” he expressed.

“Like what?” I pressed.

“Like screwing over good people.”

“Then why do you do it?”

Jonathan clasped his hands together in his lap. “I’ll tell you what. Go on a date with me on Friday, and I’ll tell you.” My mouth dropped in shock. I wasn’t expecting that...at all. “Is everything okay? Did I cross a line?”

“No, no, no. It’s...just...it was so unexpected. It’s been a while since I’ve been on a date. It’s been years, actually,” I mumbled, bouncing Nori in my lap.

“Really? I find that hard to believe.”

“The last time I went on the date was nearly five years ago. I was focused on other things, and then Nori came along. Dating was the furthest thing from my mind.”

“Now is the perfect time to focus on yourself if you ask me. Anthony is clearly extremely hands-on when it comes to Nori. He can spare you for a night.”

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. “Did you write my contract in my favor, hoping it’d convince me to date you?”

“No, your contract has nothing to do with this. That was me doing the right thing—righting a wrong and reuniting a child with her mother. Please don’t feel obligated to go out with me because I did the right thing.”

I took a moment to contemplate my response. He seemed sincere, and for once, he wasn’t in business attire giving me matter-of-fact responses or the verbal run around. He even abandoned his glasses for the day, showing off glowing green eyes. He was handsome, well-spoken, and polite, but he was also Anthony’s friend.

But I’m single and haven’t been on a date in nearly five years. What’s the worst that can happen? We find out that we’re not compatible and go our separate ways?

“Sure. I’m free Friday night.”

“Wonderful. I’ll pick you up at 6:30?”

“I’d prefer to drive myself.”

“No problem.”

“You’re going on a date...together?”

I jolted in my seat and turned around to see Anthony standing there.

Damn. I didn’t even hear him.

“Yeah. Are you good to watch Nori on Friday night?”

He cleared his throat before answering. “It’s fine. I can watch her.”

Chapter Seventeen

Anthony